INTERSPORT & PUMA launch next evoCHALLENGE chapter

Bern, Switzerland (14 January 2016) – The world’s biggest international Sports retailer INTERSPORT and Global Sports brand PUMA today re-launched evoCHALLENGE – the retail activation that brings football fans closer to their heroes than ever before. This season’s evoCHALLENGE stars are Cesc Fàbregas and Mario Balotelli representing team evoPOWER, along with Marco Reus and Antoine Griezmann who comprise team evoSPEED.

Competition participants from all over Europe can win an exclusive meet and greet with one of PUMA’s top players including a penalty shoot-out where they can show off their skills. Entry is possible on the INTERSPORT website, where fans can select the player they would like to meet. The penalty shoot-outs are scheduled to take place in late summer 2016.

Mario Balotelli commented, “I have already been part of the evoCHALLENGE campaign in 2015, which was a really cool experience. Meeting fans is one of the best things about being a professional footballer, but usually we don’t get to meet them on the pitch, which is why this event is so cool. I already look forward to the penalty shoot-out with the kids next summer.”

Cesc Fàbregas said, “Seeing young kids on pitch reminds me of my own childhood and the dreams I had back then about becoming a footballer one day. They work so hard and it is always impressive to see really talented children at an early stage. I am happy to be part of this exciting event for the first time.”

Marco Reus said, “I only have positive memories from the first event that took place in my hometown Dortmund a while ago, and so I am even more excited for the next round of evoCHALLENGE to happen. Training with the kids from all the different countries was incredible, and for sure it will be even more fun to compete against them in taking penalties.”

Antoine Griezmann said, “Last time at the evoCHALLENGE event, football fans of many different nationalities came to train with me in Madrid and I absolutely loved it. There is something special about meeting fans on a football ground. The atmosphere is always very good from the start, and I can feel that the fans try their hardest to do well, whilst I secretly also get a bit nervous as I want to impress, too.”